Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano has been used all throughout history as a seasoning and as a popular herbal remedy. Recently, however, it’s starting to become recognized for its potential therapeutic abilities such as its use as a diaphoretic, carminative, antispasmodic, antiseptic, or as a tonic. Oregano has also recently been found to possess properties effective against MRSA and was found to be one of the most effective essential oils tested against bacteria, including S. aureus, E. coli, and Salmonella Typhimurium among others. It was also found to be one of the most effective at inhibiting the growth of microorganisms at a concentration less than 2%.

Oregano is a powerful defense against fungal, bacterial and viral infections. It may provide effective treatment for nail fungus without side effects or costly prescriptions. Oregano is a remarkable oil that may treat gingivitis, gum disease, tonsillitis, strep, flu, colds, or other viruses, and has been shown effective against candida or fungal issues. With so many potential applications, it’s no wonder so many people consider oregano indispensable around the house.

Antioxidant

According to studies related to the antioxidant properties of oregano essential oil, it has the most intense antioxidant power with remarkable effects in preventing fat oxidation owing to its high content of thymol and carvacrol. It can help protect and heal the body from damage by free radicals (oxidants), which helps keep you looking and feeling younger, longer.

Immune Support

Oregano’s stimulating properties can provide a boost for the immune system as a whole and can help protect against cold and flu. Oregano can be used to defend against harmful bacteria and infection due to its remarkable antibacterial effects associated with the presence of the phenolic components, carvacrol, and thymol. Its antibacterial effects show promise against foodborne and food-spoilage bacteria.

Cooking

Cooking with oregano can be a real treat. Learning to cook with any essential oils can be a fun and healthful hobby and there are many interesting recipes online where you can find inspiration. Oregano is a common ingredient in many available recipes and is a healthful and tasty addition to a variety of homemade dishes. To avoid common mistakes, we recommend finding recipes from reputable sites or chefs while learning this new skill.

Fungal & Bacterial Infections

There are many common fungal and bacterial infections, and many of which, oregano may effectively treat or protect against; some such are Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, E. coli, salmonella, toenail fungus, candida, ringworm, and athlete’s foot. It can also be used for oral health and may help treat gum disease and prevent tooth loss. It can be diluted in olive oil and used as a mouthwash or added to a homemade gargle or toothpaste. For topical use, dilute oregano with a carrier oil and apply to location. For internal use please consult an appropriate healthcare professional.

Insects & Parasites

Oregano essential oils have been reported to contain highly bioactive compounds that have acaricidal (Acaricides are pesticides that kill members of the arachnid subclass Acari, which includes ticks and mites) and insecticidal effects. In vitro, thyme and oregano essential oils have significant antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic activities. Topical application of oregano can add a layer of protection and help repel insects. Seek appropriate medical guidance before using oregano or any essential oil internally. If you feel you may have parasites contact your doctor or healthcare professional.

Safety

Oregano is considered a ‘hot’ oil, meaning that it can sometimes cause irritation if applied directly to the skin. Oregano is a powerful oil and a little bit goes a long way. Please check out our dilution recommendations located here.

Hazards: Drug interactions; inhibits blood clotting; embryotoxicity; skin irritation (low risk); mucous membrane irritation (moderate risk).
Contraindications (all routes): Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Cautions (dermal): Hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, children under two years of age.
Cautions (oral): Diabetic medication, anticoagulant medication, major surgery, peptic ulcer, hemophilia, other bleeding disorders.

Our Recommendations: If pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have liver or kidney dysfunction, consult your physician before use. Avoid eyes, mucous membranes, and sensitive skin. Keep out of reach of children.

If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (If it is not already diluted, dilute with a carrier oil).

Store in a covered or dark, airtight container in the refrigerator or cool area for longest shelf life.

References

1) Sakkas H., & Papadopoulou C. (2017) Antimicrobial Activity of Basil, Oregano, and Thyme Essential Oils. J Microbiol Biotechnol. Mar 28;27(3):429-438. doi: 10.4014/jmb.1608.08024.

2) Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. 1999. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and other plant extracts. J. Appl. Microbiol. 86: 985-990.

3) Nostro A, Blanco A, Cannatelli M, Enea V, Flamini G, Morelli I, et al. 2004. Susceptibility of methicillin-resistant staphylococci to oregano essential oil, carvacrol, and thymol. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 230: 191-195.

4) Cetin H., Cilek J., Aydin L., Yanikoglu A. (2009) Acaricidal effects of the essential oil of Origanum minutiflorum (Lamiaceae) against Rhipicephalus turanicus (Acari: Ixodidae). Vet. Parasitol. 160:359-361.

5) Mith H, Dure R, Delcenserie V, Zhiri A, Daube G, Clinquart A. 2014. Antimicrobial activities of commercial essential oils and their components against food-borne pathogens and
food spoilage bacteria. Food Sci. Nutr. 2: 403-416.

6) Cleff, M. B., Meinerz, A. R., Xavier, M., Schuch, L. F., Schuch, L. F., Araújo Meireles, M. C., … de Mello, J. R. B. (2010). In vitro activity of origanum vulgare essential oil against candida species. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 41(1), 116–123. http://doi.org/10.1590/S1517-838220100001000018

7) Santoro GF, Das Graças Cardoso M, Guimarães LGL, Salgado APSP, Menna-Barreto RFS, Soares MJ. Effect of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oils on Trypanosoma cruzi (Protozoa: Kinetoplastida) growth and ultrastructure. Parasitology Research. 2007;100(4):783–790.

8) Pensel, P. E., Maggiore, M. A., Gende, L. B., Eguaras, M. J., Denegri, M. G., & Elissondo, M. C. (2014). Efficacy of Essential Oils of Thymus vulgaris and Origanum vulgare on Echinococcus granulosus. Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases. 2014, 693289. http://doi.org/10.1155/2014/693289

9) Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: a guide for health care professionals. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.